# CostBite vs Helpings

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Helpings at none against CostBite's 3. Helpings also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CostBite sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Helpings asks for nothing beyond the download.

CostBite ships an update monthly, Helpings fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CostBite | Helpings |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/costbite-budget-meals-tracker/id6683299660/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 31 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Quicklease LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1616934386) | [Up & Adam, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6792126078) |

## What reviewers say

### CostBite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/costbite-budget-meals-tracker/id6683299660)

This app uses AI and real ingredient prices to help you create affordable meal plans that meet your macro goals. Track your food costs, scan meals for nutritional information, and build a library of budget-friendly recipes.

**Highlights:** AI-powered meal planning, Real ingredient cost tracking, Macro and calorie goal setting, Instant meal scanning for cost and nutrition, Personalized budget-friendly recipes, Save and organize favorite recipes

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Costbite Pro | $7.99 | per month |
| Costbite Pro | $49.99 | per year |
| Costbite Pro - Lifetime | $74.99 | one-time |


### Helpings

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helpings-shared-recipe-box/id6792126076)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CostBite free?

CostBite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Helpings free?

Helpings is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do CostBite or Helpings have ads?

Neither CostBite nor Helpings shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CostBite or Helpings?

CostBite ships an update monthly, and Helpings fortnightly. Most recently, CostBite was updated on October 24, 2026 and Helpings on October 31, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*